Camper to Coach: How Inclusion Builds Leaders

Five years ago, FitKids Sports and the KennedyStrong Foundation teamed up with one goal: to make summer camp a place where every child belongs. In this episode, Coach D (Doug Deffenbaugh) sits down with five amazing coaches — Andrew Brissie, Cooper Bookhart, David Boone, Sidney Deffenbaugh, and Jordan White— from the FitKids Sports Inclusive Camp to talk about what happens when inclusion moves from intention to action. They share what they’ve learned about leadership, empathy, and teamwork as they create a space that’s safe, constructive, and full of fun for all campers — those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For parents of typical kids:Discover how an inclusive camp environment helps your child build confidence, compassion, and friendships that last well beyond summer. For parents of kids with disabilities:Hear what makes FitKids Sports a trusted partner with the KennedyStrong Foundation — and how coaches are trained to support and celebrate your child’s strengths while ensuring a positive camp experience. For teens and parents of high schoolers:Looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer? Learn what it’s like to coach or volunteer in a program that’s making a real difference in the lives of kids and families. Listen now to Building a Village and hear how inclusion changes lives — one camp, one coach, and one camper at a time. Get involved today! Visit KennedyStrongFoundation.org to: Register for upcoming inclusive events and camps Learn how to volunteer or apply to coach Join the movement to build a more inclusive community